ERS People

Meet the Authors

Dr. Clifford has written extensively on child and family policy issues, with a particular emphasis on the role of government in the provision and financing of services. In addition, he has conducted research assessing early learning environments and identifying developmentally appropriate practices in early care and education. Dr. Clifford is past president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Dr. Clifford is currently co-director of the First School Initiative at the FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Cryer has developed early care and education curriculum materials and assessment instruments for over 15 years. She is lead author for the Active Learning Series books published by Addison-Wesley. Dr. Cryer has extensive experience assessing early childhood programs in varied settings. Most recently, she has studied the relationship between the cost and quality of child care and is currently studying the effects of continuity of care on infants and toddlers.

Dr. Harms is Director of Curriculum Development at the FPG Child Development Institute and Research Professor Emerita in the School of Education, UNC-CH. Dr. Harms is recognized internationally for her work in assessing the quality of educational and care settings. She has also developed a variety of curriculum materials and staff training resources. Dr. Harms has provided extensive in-service training and consultation in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia.